James P. Thomas

By direction of the President, as established by the Act of Congress, 9 July 1918 and USARV Message 16695, dated 1 July 1966. The Silver Star Medal is presented to James P. Thomas, 05328085, First Lieutenant (Infantry), United States Army. First Lieutenant Thomas distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 13 March 1967 while serving as a platoon leader assigned to Company A, 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). On this date, Lieutenant Thomas’ company was conducting a search and destroy mission in the Long Phung area when it encountered a well-armed Viet Cong force firmly entrenched in a series of bunkers. As the battle intensified, one soldier was wounded, but the vicious hostile fire made it impossible for medical personnel to reach him. Disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Thomas shed his pack and courageously exposed himself in order to draw the enemy fire and allow the medical corpsmen to evacuate the injured man. Charging one of the Viet Cong bunkers, he threw hand grenades into the enemy position, destroying the bunker and killing the enemy occupant. Returning for more hand grenades, Lieutenant Thomas again exposed himself to the intense hostile fire, valiantly charging and destroying two additional enemy bunkers. Inspired by his courage and determination, his men aggressively attacked the remaining fortifications and killed other members of the opposing Viet Cong force. Lieutenant Thomas’ aggressive leadership and personal gallantry in the face of hostile fire were significant factors in the successful completion of the 199th Infantry Brigade’s mission. His extraordinary heroism in close combat against a determined enemy force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.